Keselowski To Trade Steering Wheel For Microphone

January 14, 2013

Charlotte, NC (January 14, 2013) - It is often said, "To the victor go the spoils." As the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion, Brad Keselowski has done many things he may have never thought he would have the opportunity to do.

The latest is one that he is sure to enjoy.

On Friday, January 25, Keselowski will slide into the deejay chair at WEND 106.5 FM The End, an alternative rock station in Charlotte, NC, to fulfill a lifelong fantasy of becoming one of the voices he often hears on the local radio station. DZL, the afternoon drive host for the station, will turn over his seat to the 28-year-old from "Detroit Rock City."

"This is something I've wanted to do since I was a kid," said Keselowski. "I always thought that radio deejays, along with racecar drivers, had one of the coolest jobs around. Why wouldn't you like fast cars and rock and roll?"

Keselowski, who hails from the Detroit suburb of Rochester Hills, Mich. quickly became a fan of 106.5 FM after making the move to the area in 2007.

"I'm a fan of all types of music, but a lot of what I listen to is rock and alternative rock," continued Keselowski. "We love our loud rock music in Detroit. WEND is a station that I quickly became a fan of when I moved here."

For WEND, it's not an everyday occurrence to have the current Cup Series champion eager to learn the nuances of running a radio station.

"It all started during the 2012 NASCAR Season," stated DZL. "Brad and I were backstage at Food Lion Speed Street (a race festival in uptown Charlotte during All-Star week.) He suggested I play more of ‘this band or that band' on my afternoon drive radio show here in Charlotte. I told him to worry about winning the Sprint Cup championship. If he did that I'd let him come in and play whatever he wanted!"

"He obviously held up his END of the bargain so I guess I'll have to hold up mine," continued DZL. "On Friday, January 25TH, I'm handing Brad the keys to my race car and letting him turn a few laps during the equivalent to my Bristol race... a Friday DRIVETIME (5p-6p!) Who knows what will happen. I just hope he doesn't hit the wall with my race car!"

In addition, fans can partake in an online auction to meet Keselowski at the WEND station that day. The money raised from the auction will benefit the Checkered Flag Foundation (CFF). Started in 2010 by Keselowski, the foundation assists wounded military and first-responders, along with their families. Keselowski will also take song requests via Twitter, provided those making the request make a donation to the CFF.

"I really just wanted to play some music, but the guys at 106.5 wanted to make a bigger deal about it to benefit my foundation," said Keselowski. "That meant a lot to me. Music people have always been very generous. I hope to be able to return the favor."

The 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season officially takes the green flag on Sunday, February 24 with the 55th Running of the Daytona 500.

About Penske RacingPenske Racing is one of the most successful teams in the history of professional sports. Competing in a variety of disciplines, cars owned and prepared by Penske Racing have produced 364 major race wins, 423 pole positions and 24 National Championships, including the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title. The team has also earned a record 15 Indianapolis 500 victories in its storied history. For more information about Penske Racing, please visit www.penskeracing.com.

About Clear Channel Communications Clear Channel Communications, Inc. is one of the leading global media and entertainment companies specializing in radio, digital, outdoor, mobile, live events and on-demand entertainment and information services for local communities and providing premier opportunities for advertisers.Back to previous page.